Keen kayakers ventured from around the globe to try out Manx waters.

Participants of the annual 7 Kingdoms Isle of Man Sea Kayak Symposium visited the island during the autumnal equinox - when the tides are at their largest in the year.

Guest coaches arrived from a number of countries including Norway, Catalonia, USA, Estonia, Ireland and Wales and were supported by coaches from the Isle of Man Adventure Club.

Together they enjoyed a weekend of training around Port Erin and the Calf of Man with an optional four days of personal skills training afterwards.

Keirron Tastagh, event organiser, said: ’It was a belter!’

He explained that one participant was a lead guide in a sea kayaking business in Baja, Mexico, and others were ’travelling back to professional coaching and guiding businesses in New Zealand, northern Norway, USA, northern Wales... and Ramsey’ after the symposium.

Greg Paquin, one of the guest coaches, thoroughly enjoyed the event saying: ’Seals were regularly surfing alongside us in the tide races, and playing with the kayaks.

’Kayaking provides a non-intrusive way to view and learn about individual characteristics of wildlife. We are always very careful selecting places to land, especially during the fall pupping season.’

The symposium was launched in 2003 and is supported by the Steam Packet Company, Mylchreests, Sea Kayaking UK and the Isle of Man Adventure Club.

As part of the event, kayakers are trained on how to lead people in fast tide and other challenging sea states in a safe manner.

Keirron said: ’The island lends itself as a consistent quality environment for the British canoeing leadership and coach education training.

’Consistency in high quality experiences and training worked hand in hand with attracting people to stay for longer periods of time, and get to see more of the island’s natural beauty.’